Rio, 12/8/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The world famous New Year festivities on the beach of Copacabana (festa de réveillon em Copacabana) in Rio de Janeiro will be bigger and better this year. The fireworks display from boats anchored offshore will be 30% bigger and last for 12 minutes. The fireworks waterfall from the Copacabana Fort will extend for 400 meters, instead of last year's 300 meters. And, as usual, the whole thing will end with a big-bang surprise, promises Andre Lanza, the head of Lanza Shows, which is running the fireworks show this year.

The city expects 2.5 million people on the beach for the celebration and will spend R$3.4 million to keep them satisfied. Events will begin at 7:30 pm on December 31. There will be musical presentations on three stages set up along the beach. After the fireworks that usher in the New Year, samba schools will parade along the beach front.

Besides Copacabana, there will be another eight stages for musical presentations around the city.
It is estimated that 346,000 tourists will visit the city and spend R$120 million.. (AB)